Apple may bring split-screen multitasking to iOS 8

Apple is looking at bringing split-screen multitasking to iPads in iOS 8 according to reports overnight. The functionality has been a major selling point for the Microsoft Surface tablets, which Microsoft has made known through a number of advertisements.

The report comes from9to5Mac, backed by “sources with knowledge of the enhancement in development”, documents that the next mobile operating system from Apple will allow iPad users to run two applications side by side in landscape orientation. Apple’s current situation only allows users to run a single application in full-screen.

The update will also enable apps to interact with each other, letting users drag content from one app to the other.

This news will be welcomed by many, but especially those who use their tablets for business and enterprise tasks. The option to read emails, search the web or make notes at the same time will boost efficiency and usability.

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 8 at WWDC, which is rumoured to include a Healthbook application for fitness and medical data. It also promises as significant an improvement in speed and performance as OS received at WWDC last year with the introduction of Mavericks.